12A Rebuild Parts???

Bought the race car last summer and have always had major problems starting it. Finally figured out what the problem was when an apex seal went south during the March school in STL. For any of you that were there I was the guy in the yellow 1st Gen who needed a push start before EVERY fricken session. (Good news is I successfully passed the school).

I've searched this forum's old posts high and low for info about rebuilding the 12A but haven't come across a succinct (sp?) answer to the following question(s). Today I signed-up for Mazda Motor Sports but they indicate it will probably be a couple of weeks before approval and before I can purchase parts. I'm also awaiting receipt of a 2 1/8" socket to get the flywheel removed. Don't know how bad it is inside the engine yet but assume that I need a complete set of gaskets, seals, and probably (at least one) new rotor housings (ouch!). What can I do to get thru this as fast as possible as the season is quickly passing me by.

What I would like to know is... should I wait for my access to Mazda Motor Sports to buy a rebuild kit or is there another place that is reasonably priced and recommended thru you experienced users. If they offer friendly customer support it would be a plus. AND/OR if anyone has a reasonably priced rebuilt motor I might be interested.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Scott Goble
Ozark Mountain Region SCCA
IT7 #33
(417) 848-7584

Scott,
Unless you really are intent on learning how to rebuild a rotary engine, a project that should be left to the Winter months, you should consider buying an engine so that you can continue your season. I had an apex seal break during my first drivers school. I did alot of research on how to rebuild them and then realized that reliability was a bigger priority. I had another drivers school and two regionals to complete.
In hindsight, I also recognize that I have spent too much time working on various aspects of the car rather then accumulating track time. The result is that I have a couple of two race weekend seasons and one season missed. This is the first year I plan to run six weekends.

I bought an engine from RX-7 in Memphis. Mike Wiggens was reasonable and provided support whenever I asked for it.

I have also bought several parts from ISC racing in Florida. Again, they are very easy to deal with, and are willing to provide support.

If your finances only allow for a remanufactured engine, then you may want to try Midwest Engine Sales. I have not contacted them in few years, but at the time, they had 12a and 13b engines in stock for $500 - to $600 with a 30 day warranty.

http://www.midwest-engine.com/

Bill Emery
Glen Region
ITA#23

Scott--You are going to need the whole seal, ring, gasket set if you tear into that motor--even for a good look see.

Find a used motor and get on the track!

Scott... there used to be an RX7 guy in Springfield that had a shop. When I was with PFM Racing, we got our RX from him. He might have a 12a lying around. Give Jude Rudder an email for his name [email protected].

If that doesn't work out, I've got a spare 12a you can borrow if you happen to be in St. Louis for the May race.

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Scott Rhea
It's not what you build...
it's how you build it
http://www.izzyscustomcages.com/images/7sig.jpghttp://www.izzyscustomcages.com/images/IzysLgoSm.jpg
Izzy's Custom Cages

[This message has been edited by Speed Raycer (edited May 07, 2004).]

I bought a gasket kit on EBAY from outfit in WA, and then.... bought a used engine from ebay, and I am sticking that in. Same issue - time. I got the engine for $150, and the person was less than an hour away. I'll let you know how it runs...

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Dave Youngren
NER ITA RX7 #61

Just my 2 cents. Mike Wiggins has RX7Heaven.com over in Dexter, MO. Either way you go, used or rebuilt, I'd recommend Mike. I'm running an engine he built for me last year. He's also at most MiDiv events for tech or race support.

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Mark Jeffery
IT7 #92 '85 RX7
MiDiv - Arkansas Region

Thank you all for the input. I did talk to Mike Wiggins today and will most likely have him build an engine for me. Then I can take my time learning how to rebuild the old motor. Mike was very helpful and seems like a great guy! I also appreciate the fact that he was willing to offer all the phone support that I might need.

See you at the track.

Scott Goble
Ozark Mountain Region SCCA
IT7 #33
(417) 848-7584